Employees in Cebu and Bohol who rendered work on October 15—a regular holiday that was marked by a destructive earthquake in those provinces—are entitled to twice their daily wages.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz issued this clarification on Wednesday during her visit to Tagbilaran City.

Since October 15 is “a regular holiday in observance of Eidul-Adha, employees who worked on that day “is entitled to 200 percent of the amount of his daily wage for eight hours of work, or 100 percent holiday pay, and proportionate daily wage depending on the number of hours worked,” Baldoz said in a statement.

“A worker who did not report for work shall be paid 100 percent of his daily wage,” she added.

Meanwhile, for succeeding days covered by the declaration of state of calamity in quake-stricken provinces, employees who were unable to render work, “the 'no-work, no-pay' principle shall apply, unless there is favorable company policy, practice, or collective baragaining agreement (CBA) granting payment on the said day.”

Employees with leave credits may be allowed to use them, enabling them to receive compensation on these days, the statement that quoted Baldoz said.

On the other hand, if the employee worked on a day covered by a state of calamity, he or she shall be paid 100 percent of his daily wage, Baldoz said.

"I urge private sector employers to voluntarily comply with the holiday pay rules," she said, reiterating that “proper observance of these pay rules is decent and moral and encourages productive and proficient workers.”

During her visit to Tagbilaran, Baldoz urged employers to ensure the safety of their work premises and secure clearance from competent authorities before resuming business operations and allowing the re-entry of workers to affected buildings and worksites.

She also cited Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Advisory No. 08-A Series of 2013, which underscored the importance of a business establishment’s Safety Committee as required under the law.

Composed of trained first-aiders, nurses, doctors, and safety officers, the Safety Committee “in every private business establishment should be physically present in the establishments during the state of calamity," Baldoz told DOLE regional and DOLE Bohol provincial officials during her visit.

"Employers should also provide first aid medicines and ensure that immediate medical attention is rendered to injured workers by coordinating with the nearest hospital to facilitate workers' access to medical services during emergency situations. They may also provide such other extra incentives or benefits to employees who reported for work during the emergency," she added.

(Those who have questions regarding pay and other labor-related matters can call up the DOLE Hotline 527-8000, the nearest DOLE regional office in your area (for DOLE-NCR 400-6011), or the Bureau of Working Conditions at tel. no. 527-3000, local 301 or 302.)